Man dies in accident at rendering plant

A man has been killed in an industrial accident at the John Pointon and Sons rendering plant in Staffordshire.

Mark Bullock, 50, working as a sub contractor doing welding work as part of general maintenance at the plant in Cheddleton, died after suffering serious burns.

The Health and Safety Executive is now investigating how Mr Bullock came by his injuries.

A company spokesman said: “All at John Pointon and Sons, including directors and employees, are devastated by the tragic death of Mark Bullock, who was a highly valued member of the workforce.

“Our thoughts go out to his family and we are determined to find out how this tragic accident occurred. The company is co-operating with the investigation and, as such, cannot make any further comment.”

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: “This is an extremely tragic incident.

“We’re currently carrying out a joint investigation with the Heath and Safety Executive to establish the full facts of what happened.”

In 2004, the company was involved in a lengthy legal case following the death of a worker at the plant.

The company was finally ordered to pay a fines and costs totalling £540,000 for breaches of health and safety regulations.